Penile Fracture Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Penile fracture is a tear in the tunica albuginea of the penis. The tunica albuginea is a rubber sheath of tissue under the skin that allows the penis to increase in width and length to produce a firm erection. Sometimes in a broken penis there is also a tear in the erectile tissue under the tunica albuginea, namely the corpus cavernosum.
A broken penis is an emergency condition or emergency. The patient must go to the hospital as soon as possible for a surgical procedure. Prompt treatment can prevent permanent damage to urinary and sexual function.
Symptoms
A broken penis can occur when there is a sharp impact to the penis. The penis may be painful and may become bruised and bluish. Symptoms of a broken penis can include:
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a crackling or popping sound is heard
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sudden loss of erection
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severe pain after the injury
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dark bruising over the injured area
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crooked penis
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blood coming out of the penis
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difficulty urinating
Reason
A broken penis occurs due to direct trauma to the penis, tearing the tunica albuginea of the penis. The erectile tissue beneath the tunica albuginea can also tear. This spongy twin tissue is called the corpus cavernosum. Usually flowing blood when a person is sexually aroused, then produces an erection. A broken penis can also injure the urethra. The urethra is the tube in the penis through which urine flows.
Common causes of a broken penis include:
- a penis that bends too hard and pushes too hard during sexual intercourse
- a sharp blow or impact to the erect penis in a fall, car crash, or other accident
- traumatic masturbation
A broken penis most often occurs as a result of sexual intercourse, especially in the woman on top position. In this position, the woman can move too hard and burden the penis with her body weight so that it can cause the penis to break.
Diagnosis
Doctors can suspect a broken penis from the results of patient interviews and physical examinations. Investigations can be carried out to determine the diagnosis. A special X-ray examination, called cavernosography, which requires injecting a special dye into the penile veins may also be performed.
In addition, examinations can also be carried out using ultrasound and MRI. A urine examination also needs to be done to see any possible damage to the patient’s urinary tract.
Treatment
Treatment of a broken penis is done by surgery. The surgeon will use suture threads to close the tears that occur in both the tunica albuginea and the corpus cavernosum. The main goal of treatment is to restore and maintain the ability to urinate and erect. Patients will usually be hospitalized and will continue to be monitored for one to three days.
A broken penis will take several months to heal. Therefore, patients are not advised to engage in sexual activity for at least a month. The patient should also have regular check-ups to check the arterial and venous blood flow of the penis and the progress of healing. Some patients may experience side effects including erectile dysfunction, curvature of the penis, and pain on erection.
The results of surgery will be better if it is done within 24 hours after the fracture of the penis. Therefore, before it’s too late, the patient should immediately go to the hospital for medical assistance and surgery.
Prevention
To prevent a broken penis, always make sure there is sufficient lubrication when having sex. Avoid very violent sexual intercourse. Also, avoid masturbation that is too hard and traumatic.